Page:Historical records of Port Phillip.djvu/27

eleven o'clock the captain set fire to the bush, and we marched on towards the marquee, where we arrived at four o'clock in the morning.

Thursday 13th.—Remained at head-quarters all the day. A party went out foraging, and returned with live emus, two young live do., and a kangaroo.

Friday 14th.—The boat came on shore in the morning, and Dr. McCallum went on board, and I went into the country with two men to get specimens of wood.

Saturday 15th.—Looking over specimens and seeds; the captain taking observations.

Sunday 16th.—The boat came on shore in the morning, but, the wind being high and much surf, we did not go on board.

Monday, 17th.—In the morning two men went after some game; the boat went to the vessel with part of the luggage, and in the afternoon returned with the George's long boat, when we all went on board.

As far as I went round the island the hills are high and sandy for 2 or 3 three miles in, the brush very thick, and little grass. The interior is level, and in many cases swampy, with large lagoons. There is some good land in the middle of the island, but the timber is so thick and lofty that I could form no idea of its extent. The timber in general is gum-tree, mimosas of sorts, some ash, cotton bark, Banksia and Rhamnus; saw no cedar. The best place for a settlement is either in Elephant Bay or opposite New Year's Island; but as we saw but little of the interior there are perhaps better places. The shore is in every place difficult of access for vessels. Elephant oil and spars are the only articles of commerce the island produces; on the adjacent islands there are plenty of seals.

Tuesday, 18th.—All hands up at daylight; the Captain went sounding whilst the others were weighing anchor. At half-past nine o'clock sailed from New Year's Island, and at two saw land; supposed it to be Cape Albany (Albany Otway). Our company consisted of eighteen, the captain having taken on board Smith and Jones, who had been with us since our arrival on the island. This day had my provision served out by myself.

Wednesday, 19th.— Out of sight of land; a calm. At five p.m. saw land; at nine came to anchor.

Thursday, 20th.—In the morning off high land; the hills high and verdant. The trees inward appeared large. There appeared an opening like a small river to the eastward; at noon a valley with gentle rising ground, behind which the timber appeared large. At eight o'clock anchored in Port Phillip; hot winds most of the day.

Friday, 2lst.—Weighed anchor early in the morning, and came further into the bay; dropped anchor.[1] The Captain, Mr. Grimes, doctor, and myself went on shore, and walked across a neck of land to the sea,[2] whilst the carpenter repaired the boat. The land is a light,